The Irish Poker Tour is returning to Killarney this Autumn for one of the most anticipated poker gatherings of the year. From 23rd to 28th September 2025, players from across Ireland and beyond will descend on the Gleneagle Hotel and INEC for the Killarney Festival, a week packed with high-stakes drama, diverse formats, and a festival guarantee of over €900,000.
At the heart of the action is the Irish Poker Cup, the festival’s headline Main Event. With a buy-in of €700 and multiple Day 1 flights, it is expected to draw a huge field of seasoned professionals, ambitious qualifiers, and poker enthusiasts eager to test themselves on one of Ireland’s biggest live stages. The Cup has become a flagship event on the Irish poker calendar, combining serious prize money with the unique atmosphere that the Killarney setting provides.
The Festival opens on Tuesday, 23rd September with the Festival Opener, a €15,000 guaranteed tournament that sets the tone for the week ahead. Over the following days, players will have no shortage of opportunities to get involved, whether through the hugely popular €60,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty, the action-packed Omaha Championship, or one of the many satellites feeding into the larger buy-in events.
Thursday and Friday are set to be the busiest days of the festival as the Main Event’s multiple starting flights kick off. Alongside the Cup, side events such as the Women’s Championship, the €1,000 One Dayer, and a host of satellites will add even more excitement to the schedule. The weekend will see the festival reach its climax with the Killarney 300, which now carries a €50,000 guarantee, as well as the final stages of the Main Event, where the biggest prizes and ultimate bragging rights will be decided.
What makes the Killarney Festival so special is its balance of accessibility and prestige. With buy-ins ranging from €170 to €1,650, there is something for every type of player, and the extensive satellite schedule ensures plenty of opportunities to secure a seat at a fraction of the cost.
For those planning the trip, Main Event Travel is the Official Travel Partner of the Irish Poker Tour, making it easy to book hotel accommodation and flights in one convenient package. With demand set to be high for both the tournament and local stays in Killarney, booking early through Main Event Travel is the best way to secure a stress-free festival experience.
Beyond the poker itself, Killarney remains one of Ireland’s most picturesque destinations. Famous for its warm hospitality, stunning natural scenery, and lively nightlife, the town provides the perfect backdrop for a week of cards and camaraderie. Combined with the first-class facilities at the Gleneagle Hotel and INEC, players can look forward to a festival atmosphere like no other.
With September here, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark week of poker in Ireland. Flights and hotel packages are available now through Main Event Travel — giving players everything they need to secure their place at the festival in Killarney.